Messenger of Truth: A Maisie Dobbs Novel

I'd never heard of the author or 'Maisie Dobbs' before, but since the locale and time period are of interest, I decided to take a chance.

Lucky decision.

There's so much of value in this book, all in addition to the perfectly acceptable plot and complex, well-formed characters.

Maisie Dobbs is one of the newly-independent women in England, forced to become so because so many millions of men were killed or damaged during the Great War, they had no alternative to supporting themselves. She becomes an inquiry agent -- and this is one of her cases. She's also a psychologist, and througout the book, her psychological insights help her find the answers she was hired to find.

If you like 'period' mysteries -- Anne Perry, Charles Todd, Victoria Thompson, Michael Cox -- you'll like this series.

I like the detection alpects of these books, of course I do. But beyond that, it's all the tidbits of information the author includes -- how people lived, dressed, spoke, thought and interacted -- that adds to the charm.

A bunus in the audio version is a half-hour interview with the author, who tells how hard she works to keep the books technically accurate. Of particular interest were her comments about how words bounce back and forth between the continents, coming into vogue here or there, at various times throughout the centuries. For example, the word "smog" was in use in 1904 London -- we just think it's a modern term.

I'm looking for more "Maisie Dobbs" books -- and hope they're all narrated by Orlagh Cassidy, who gave a marvelous performance. I was sorry to see the book end.

"Messenger of Truth" is a fine book in every sense. You won't be disappointed.

The Maisie Dobbs series is absolutely wonderful -- a great combination of the "traditional British mystery" and the ugly bits of truth and progress that World War One brought to the surface -- the aftermath of war, unemployment, poverty, disease. The fallout from the explosion of the old myths is expertly and interestingly examined through characters that become friends, and complicated story lines. Cassidy's narration is terrific, I've searched for other titles she's done, simply to hear her lovely voice, and crisp, clear narration.

The series takes place in post WWI England, and is informative in capturing both time and place. Maise Dobbs is a unique personality, easy to like. The story is well-paced and intelligent. The narrator is excellent. I really enjoyed this one!

Nice characterization. Descent mystery well read. I'll look for this reader again. This book is aimed at a female audience.

I do. The books are well written. The characters have lives and growth yet this is all part of the story/mystery rather than extra. This particular mystery is a little sad. Sometimes good people do bad things for the wrong reasons. Excellent narration as usual. Highly recommended!

I am reading all of Massie Dobbs series and this one has a weaker plot. I love the performance.

Massie Dobbs

A typical Maisie Dobbs story: good characterization, excellent verbal images, entertaining storyline.

Good suspense without being overly dramatic or too full of angst.

One of the best readers I have come across. Changes her voice well without overdoing it. Pleasant reading style and pace.

No criticisms of the narrator. I think I would almost buy something she narrated whether I knew or liked the author.

Good clean stories. No blood or gory scenarios, clean language, no focus on sexual exploits.

I enjoyed this book, as I have the other books in the series that I have listened to - an engaging central character, insightful depiction of the period in which the story takes place, and a lively performance.